Lower Control Arm Bushing Repair
01-26-17, 05:21 AM
#136
I would say absolutely not. There cannot be enough data such that the results are reliable nor valid, if you look, this is a rather subjective area. How many on this forum have even replaced the bushings twice, or three times? I would guess most are at one time.
What we do know is that 10 yrs. later, there can be cracks and tears on OEM. Also, if an entire aftermarket arm that includes the bushing sells online for $85, yet a used OEM off of a wreck costs $110, add the bushing $60 off eBay and it's up to $170 or double, there's an implication that they aren't of the same quality. Or, the eBay aftermarket is a super great deal. My thoughts are most of us aren't in a position to experiment, based on time and money.
What we do know is that 10 yrs. later, there can be cracks and tears on OEM. Also, if an entire aftermarket arm that includes the bushing sells online for $85, yet a used OEM off of a wreck costs $110, add the bushing $60 off eBay and it's up to $170 or double, there's an implication that they aren't of the same quality. Or, the eBay aftermarket is a super great deal. My thoughts are most of us aren't in a position to experiment, based on time and money.
01-26-17, 05:27 AM
#137
Lexus Fanatic
I agree about the money but $115 for two complete lower control arm bushing units where I don't have to worry about pressing out and pressing in a new bushing which will also save me time is worth the risk. If it fails within a few years I will go the OEM bushing route.
edit: your delta is in fact the labor of pressing, since a pair of OEMs were as cheap as $54.xx recently on eBay....so that's from $190 to $300....
01-26-17, 02:45 PM
#138
I agree about the money but $115 for two complete lower control arm bushing units where I don't have to worry about pressing out and pressing in a new bushing which will also save me time is worth the risk. If it fails within a few years I will go the OEM bushing route.
Side note - if you act fast ebay has a flash coupon for $15 off $75 purchases. Use code CJANUARY15OFF
02-03-17, 06:20 PM
#139
ok just installed the eBay bushing with brackets in about an hour. First impressions I am happy as the results as larger bumps are noticeably 'softer' and composed. Originally I had hoped that this would help the highway shimmy I've been having and it seems like it has. Problem is that the shimmy was inconsistent but I will be sure to update with my longer term conclusions.
Old bushings for reference
Old bushings for reference
02-03-17, 06:26 PM
#140
Lexus Fanatic
I'm getting skeptical now.....shop asked me if I noticed any difference with the new bushings. I said 60-65 mph vibration gone. BUT, I don't normally drive fast, but I noticed something 70-80 on a business trip. Tech decided to pull my wheels and said my Dec 2016 Xice 3's Hunter Road Force balanced by online eTailer were imbalanced!!! He redid for no charge. Now no vibration 75 mph. Nuts. maybe the LCA bushings weren't that bad, who the heck knows....but at least they're done....OEM. Good for 10+ yrs.
02-04-17, 07:22 AM
#142
I jacked the front up (have a long reach/low profile jack) and did it that way (left wheels on) but think ramps would NOT work because I needed to get a pry bar to push the control arm down a bit so I could slide off the bushing. I would think on ramps the suspension would be too compressed for you to move the arm enough.
02-04-17, 07:27 AM
#143
I jacked the front up (have a long reach/low profile jack) and did it that way (left wheels on) but think ramps would NOT work because I needed to get a pry bar to push the control arm down a bit so I could slide off the bushing. I would think on ramps the suspension would be too compressed for you to move the arm enough.
02-04-17, 10:03 AM
#144
Just finished changing out both LCA front bushings. I jacked up the front of the car and put it on jack stands. Getting the nut off of the bushing was a challenge but a longer cheater bar worked.
Inspecting the old bushings they looked good to me. I will take it out on a drive later today to see if the shimmy at 60-70 mph goes away. I may need a forced balance.
The oil residue was from me spraying WD-40 on the bushing nut.
Inspecting the old bushings they looked good to me. I will take it out on a drive later today to see if the shimmy at 60-70 mph goes away. I may need a forced balance.
The oil residue was from me spraying WD-40 on the bushing nut.
02-14-17, 09:11 AM
#146
Moderator
02-14-17, 11:29 AM
#147
I think the bought the same kit as me
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FRONT-LOWER-...dYFpCa&vxp=mtr
Update on my situation. The shimmy is still present. Getting a road force balance this afternoon but the ride is much improved.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FRONT-LOWER-...dYFpCa&vxp=mtr
Update on my situation. The shimmy is still present. Getting a road force balance this afternoon but the ride is much improved.
The following users liked this post:
tradosauru (02-14-17)
02-14-17, 12:24 PM
#148
Lexus Fanatic
I think the bought the same kit as me
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FRONT-LOWER-...dYFpCa&vxp=mtr
Update on my situation. The shimmy is still present. Getting a road force balance this afternoon but the ride is much improved.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FRONT-LOWER-...dYFpCa&vxp=mtr
Update on my situation. The shimmy is still present. Getting a road force balance this afternoon but the ride is much improved.
I had 3 things done--new OEM LCA bushings, wheels rebalanced, 4 wheel alignment.
This is very hard to put a finger upon, though, very subjective....I believed that the LCA's eliminated a 60-65 slight vibration. But upon driving even faster, I thought there was a vibration at 75...which is why the shop rebalanced my tires. I honestly didn't feel this did anything, and the wheels were already road force balanced. Then, I got a 4 wheel alignment and 3/4 wheels were out....
02-18-17, 10:20 AM
#150
Had tires balanced but NOT road force as the shop was convinced I did not need that. Shimmy IS better but not gone. I am going to do a trans drain/fill tomorrow so i'll check the driveline while I'm under it. Perhaps a driveshaft issue?